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401.3 TANF MANUAL 7/20 Page 5

2. An overdue renewal must be completed by the last day of the month following the renewal month or the TANF case will close. The VaCMS will automatically close the TANF case effective the last day of the month following the renewal month. For example, a renewal due by March 31 is not completed by April 30. The VaCMS will automatically close the TANF case effective April 30.

G. Establishing Separate Assistance Units - A new application must be completed when an individual or family separates from a family group which is receiving assistance and forms a separate assistance unit. The new application must be processed in accordance with guidance.

H. When Completion of a New Application Is Not Required

1. Adding an individual to an existing assistance unit. Verification of all eligibility requirements must be obtained on the new individual and an evaluation of the new assistance unit's need and eligibility must be made. (See 401.2 B.2.c. and d.)

2. Changing the case name in a case receiving only TANF (or TANF-UP) when the parent or caretaker relative who is the case name leaves the household for any reason or dies. When a parent who is the case name is no longer in the home, the case name can be changed to that of another parent who remains in the home with the children. Likewise, when a caretaker relative who is the case name is no longer in the home, the case name can be changed to that of another caretaker relative who remains in the home.

Note: The case name cannot be changed from a parent to caretaker relative, or vice versa, even if both were residing in the home with the child. A new application will be required. A new application will also be required when an individual not already living in the home wishes to join the household and become the case name.

Example A: The father in a two-parent TANF or TANF-UP household leaves the household. The case can be put in the mother’s name.

Example B: A grandmother and grandfather are both in the home with the grandchildren. Neither is needy and neither is part of the assistance unit. Following the death of the grandmother, the case can be put in the grandfather’s name as payee.

TANF Transmittal 68